Diagnostic Value of Transcranial Ultrasound in Preterm Infants

Abstract

Background: Prematurity is a term refers to neonates born at < 37 weeks of gestation. Cranial ultrasound (CUS) and magnetic resonance imaging are the two primary imaging methods for predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes in the neonatal duration era. Aim: To verify the role of transcranial ultrasound (TCUS) as a screening tool in preterm infants to assess various cerebral lesions. Patients and Methods: This trial was performed on 150 preterm neonates delivered before 37 weeks of gestation. They underwent TCUS scan just after admission, after three and seven days. Results: A significant variation was found among neonates with normal CUS findings and those with abnormal US findings regarding gestational weight. A significant variation was found among neonates with normal CUS findings and those with abnormal US findings in neonates with respiratory distress. A significant variation was found among preterm with normal CUS findings and those with abnormal US findings regarding the outcome of the studied neonates. Conclusion: CUS remains the rapid, accurate imaging tool of choice in preterm neonates for detecting brain injuries.